Neymar confident of Barcelona victory ahead of Clasico
Liga Clasico at home against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou, while striker Neymar has also returned quicker than expected to join training with his teammates ahead of the weekend’s massive game.
Alba, 27, reportedly felt pain due to an ankle problem after he had completed the 90 minutes playing for Spain in Sunday’s 0-0 friendly draw in Romania, but the concerns he could be sidelined appear to have been misplaced.
Although Brazil captain Neymar is now suspended for his country’s game in Paraguay on Tuesday, reports in the Madrid media had strongly claimed he was postponing his return to Europe for some social reasons, but the ex-Santos player was also seen at Tuesday’s training session. Official report said, “The team is expected to be at Camp Nou at midday to visit the Johan Cruyff Memorial. Tuesday’s workout saw the return of several of the players who were away on international duty”.
The morning at Barca’s training ground started with a minute’s silence in honour of the late Barcelona player and coach Johan Cruyff, with a club statement formally confirming that both Alba and Neymar had worked out fine with their teammates.
“Luis Enrique and his players paid homage to the figure of Johan Cruyff on Tuesday morning. The team and coaching staff held a minute of silence in memory of the Flying Dutchman on Tito Vilanova Field at the Ciutat Esportiva,” the statement said.
Barca coach Luis Enrique’s preparations have also been somewhat affected by injuries which saw Spain’s Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets and also Croatia’s Ivan Rakitic miss their countries’ games during this week — while the South American contingent including the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have World Cup 2018 qualifying responsibility on their home continent.
Messi, Suarez, Dani Alves and Javier Mascherano are not anticipated to be back training with their teammates until this Thursday – when the session has been moved to the afternoon to further make it easier for them to take part.